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Bengaluru: Traffic cops seek support for ‘no helmet, no fuel’ drive

BENGALURU: Additional commissioner of police (traffic) P Harishekaran has said he will request petrol bunks in the city not to supply fuel to helmetless two-wheeler riders. Addressing the media on Friday, Harishekaran said: “ ‘No helmet no fuel’ will be a social boycott concept to prevent fatal and non-fatal accidents. We are requesting all fuel stations to cooperate with the Bengaluru traffic police (BTP) initiative.” Asked if such a form of social boycott will stand legal scrutiny, Harishekaran said, “We are planning to bring in executive orders.” According to him, traffic police shall write to fuel suppliers, seeking their cooperation in implementing the proposal. “Soon, we will hold a meet with petrol bunk owners and tell them how to implement the proposal,” he added. However, the announcement drew mixed reactions. While a few citizens welcomed it, most riders, youngsters and women in particular, derided the decision. Prashanth G, an advocate, called the proposal a ‘violation of fundamental rights’. “The proposal has no legal standing and is impromptu. How can police force bunk owners not to sell fuel to riders without helmet,” he asked. However, HN Ananda, a senior citizen, welcomed the proposal. “It’s for the benefit of the society. For those who think it’s a violation of rights, they must realise that rights can be enjoyed only when one is alive. But I doubt whether it will succeed as it lacks legal support,” he said.

Shalini G, a PG student, said the idea sounds good, but may not get implemented. “I agree that the decision is to safeguard riders. Practically speaking, it’s not possible. I don’t think bunk owners will agree,” she added. N Lakshminarasaiah, a petrol bunk owner, said he will implement the direction. “I know it’s not easy. When we request customers not to use mobile phones near fuelling pumps, many object. I’m sure customers without helmet will argue when we refuse to sell fuel. But if cops ask us to implement it, we will,” he added.